Micrantheum ericoides Desf.

Species Identity and Growth Form

Micrantheum ericoides Desf. is a heath-like shrub that usually grows up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) tall, and its new growth is sometimes covered in soft hairs.

Leaf Arrangement and Shape

Its leaves are arranged in whorls of three, with a shape ranging from linear to narrowly elliptic.

Leaf Dimensions

Each leaf measures 4–10 mm (0.16–0.39 in) long and 1.0–1.5 mm (0.039–0.059 in) wide.

Leaf Surface Characteristics

The upper surface of the leaf is smooth, while the lower surface is covered in soft, white hairs.

Male Flower Morphology

Male flowers grow on a 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long peduncle, their tepals are about 1.5 mm (0.059 in) long, and each male flower has 3 stamens.

Female Flower Peduncle

Female flowers are borne on a peduncle that grows to 5 mm (0.20 in) long by the time fruit develops.

Flowering Period and Fruit Features

This species flowers from August to November, and its fruit is a smooth capsule 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) long and about 4 mm (0.16 in) wide.

Habitat and Distribution

Micrantheum ericoides grows in heath and forest on sandy soil, and is found in south-eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales.